Study Abroad in Edinburgh
College Study Abroad
Explore Edinburgh with CIEE
Embrace a city where medieval history meets modern life when you study abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland. Walk the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile, sip tea in a cozy café tucked beneath a stone archway, or climb Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city skyline and the sea. Explore the gothic halls of Edinburgh Castle, browse secondhand bookshops in Stockbridge, or catch a performance at the world-famous Fringe Festival. With its dramatic landscape, rich literary heritage, and lively student hangouts from Grassmarket to Leith, Edinburgh study abroad offers a unique blend of tradition, creativity, and everyday charm.
While abroad, students may complete a full- or part-time internship in Edinburgh, gaining real-world international work experience and developing valuable professional skills. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, marketing, arts, sustainability, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.
Top Activities in Edinburgh with CIEE
Every CIEE semester program has frequent cultural excursions and a multi-day study tour uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Edinburgh, study tours and excursions may include:
- A walking tour of the city center to visit popular attractions like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the Princes Street Gardens.
- Hiking up Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano and hill located in Holyrood Park which offers superb walks and stunning views over the city
- Day trips to soak up Scotland’s stunning geography, such as Stirling, St. Andrews, and the beautiful Scottish Highlands
Academics in Edinburgh
CIEE Edinburgh
Our location in Edinburgh places students in the center of Scotland’s historic and cultural capital, allowing you to explore nearby iconic landmarks and enjoys easy access to world-class museums and engaging neighborhoods.
Edinburgh Napier University
The Edinburgh Napier University nearly has 20,000 students from more than 100 countries. It offers more than 300 undergraduate and postgraduate courses on its three campuses located in the capital of Scotland, the historical city of Edinburgh. Napier delivers meaningful, difference-making education and research for a rapidly changing world. Napier is ranked the number one modern university in the U.K. for Computer Science, Criminology, English, and Nursing (ST GUG 2023); top five U.K. Modern universities for Communications and Media Studies, Drama, Dance, and Cinematics; number one university in Edinburgh for student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2020, 2021, 2022); and the top university in Scotland for environmental sustainability and ethics (2022 People and Planet University League).
Arizona State University (ASU)
Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Internships in Edinburgh
Depending on your program of study and availability, you may be able to participate in an international internship while studying abroad in Edinburgh. Edinburgh is home to a diverse, growing economy with opportunities across social enterprises, startups, public services, communications, arts and culture, environmental fields, and community organizations. Scotland is especially known for its strong social enterprise sector, while Edinburgh’s festivals, galleries, museums, and creative institutions offer exciting opportunities in the creative and cultural space. You may find opportunities in industries such as:
- Agriculture, Food + Natural Resources
- Arts, Audio/Video Technology + Communications
- Business Management + Administration
- Education + Training
- Finance
- Government + Public Administration
- Marketing, Sales + Service
Community Impact Initiative in Edinburgh
CIEE’s Community Impact Initiative invites you to connect more deeply with Edinburgh by becoming an active member of its community. You’ll work alongside local organizations on projects that reflect real, on-the-ground needs, building relationships, gaining cultural insight, and contributing to meaningful, lasting impact. Your experience may span key focus areas like Food Security, Community Development + Public Health, and Youth Development + Education initiatives.
In Edinburgh, your service work may include:
- Supporting food redistribution and community outreach efforts to reduce waste and address food insecurity with Goodies Charity
- Assisting with programs that support diverse ethnic minority communities, particularly young people and women, through Passion4Fusion
Edinburgh Study Abroad Programs
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Study Program
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Study Program
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Full-Time Internship
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Study Program
- Full-Time Internship
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Study Program
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Study Program
Pocket Guide to Edinburgh
Currency
Pound Sterling
Spoken Language
English
Available Transportation
Bus, tram, taxi
Famous Local
Sean Connery – Scottish actor famous for his portrayal of James Bond
Climate
Cold and humid winters; mild summers
Local Attraction
Edinburgh Castle – a historic military fortress and royal residence
Airport
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Social Norms
Being tardy to a class or meeting is considered ill-mannered; always arrive five minutes early
What to Pack
Waterproof shoes, warm and breathable clothing, and a wind-resistant coat
Frequently Asked Questions
Consistently recognized as one of the best cities for students to live and learn abroad, Edinburgh is a great place to take your studies. As a cultural hub, it should come as no surprise that Edinburgh is home to one of the largest art festivals in the world, the Edinburgh International Arts Festival, which takes place annually in August. Moreover, this historic capital boasts well-preserved architecture, a buzzing atmosphere, and rich Scottish tradition that will mesmerize you. Whether you’re looking to be entertained with live music in a traditional pub or be awe-struck with a dramatic performance, the options in Edinburgh are endless.
Read More: The Top 10 Best Places to Study Abroad for College Students
Considered the safest place to live in Great Britain, Edinburgh is a very safe city with low crime levels. As with any study abroad destination, we recommend that students keep their belongings secure, stay aware of their surroundings, and travel in groups when possible.
Known for its superior teaching and research quality, Edinburgh is an excellent city for international students to live and learn. In Scotland’s capital, you’ll receive a top-class education while immersing yourself in a culture famous for its proud heritage and unique charm. Join tens of thousands of international students who travel from around the world for Edinburgh study abroad.
The cost of studying abroad in Edinburgh varies depending on the specific program that you choose and how long you plan to study abroad for. For detailed cost information, we recommend researching each individual Edinburgh study abroad program page.
For costs not included in your program’s outlined fees, it’s important to consider factors surrounding your individual journey while abroad.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in Edinburgh with CIEE. Our international internship programs allow college students to choose from a variety of full- and part-time internships abroad in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, finance, hospitality, healthcare, public policy, and more!
Search our internship opportunities to get started!
Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Apply in 1,2,3!
You may be wondering if there are any scholarships to study in Edinburgh. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Edinburgh to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
Study Abroad Scholarships
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.
Edinburgh Study Abroad Blog
Glasgow vs. Edinburgh Study Abroad: Which is Better for You?
Wondering whether to study abroad in Edinburgh or Glasgow, Scotland? We've got you covered as we explore differences in the cost of living, population, featured programs, and more!
The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Scotland
Is Scotland a good place to study abroad ? Our vote is a resounding “YES!” From the country’s lively music culture to its beautiful lochs, rugged highlands, hearty food, historic... keep reading
Your Guide to Scottish Slang: Top 10 Phrases You Should Know
If you’re about to embark on a Scotland study abroad adventure, it’s a smart idea to familiarize yourself with the dialects, accents, and even varying languages spoken in this charming... keep reading